Posts Categorised by 'Yellow Group'
Green and Yellow camping update!
9th July 2013
There aint no mountain high enough for our Greens and Yellows after mastering the 3 hour hike to our ‘glamping’ hut last night. The groups took to the hills like a duck to water reaching the hut in record time. With a handful of our more dedicated mountaineers pushing their limits and continuing their hike to reach France. Upon their return, the explorers were greeted by a sizzling BBQ. As the sun began to set over the horizon, the campers took to the campfire for cholocate bananas, toasted marshamallows and a good Swiss sing song, not forgetting the all important Camp Suisse traditional Sing-off. Today our campers have stayed on camp groups and taken to the ancient art of archery, practising their bowman skills. The second part of the afternoon saw some of our campers tackle their fears on the indoor climbing wall. Group leaders were particulary impressed by the bravery of Elissa and Caridad, who conquered their fears. Today also involved a very early breakfast for some of our campers as we welcomed the first day of Ramadan. We like to wish all our campers goodluck in their fasting!
Olympics day at Camp Suisse!
7th July 2013
Having completed their productive mornings of language and sports lessons, the campers of Red, Blue, Green and Yellow groups quickly munched through their lunch in time for camp photos. With this ordeal over, the campers grouped into eight different countries, each one mixing up the usual colour groups. The campers painted each others’ faces to match the flags of their newfound homelands. Following the opening ceremony and the lighting of the Olympic torch, the campers walked their now-familiar trek to the football pitch in the bright afternoon sun. The campers competed against each other in a variety of activities, ranging from a three-legged race to skittles. After a short break for afternoon tea of a chocolate croissant, the countries renewed their competitive vigor in an egg and spoon race and an obstacle course. The final points were awarded for the quality of the countries’ chants. The varied routines included cheering, somersaults, and in one case even the emission of flatulence. Once the scores were tallied, the bronze medal went to Germany, the silver to the UK, and the gold went to Brazil. All the campers loved their athletic afternoon in the sun.
In the evening, the campers showcased their hard work in their languages lessons at the 2013 Camp Suisse Languages Talent Show. The English, French, German, and Spanish students all produced entertaining shows for their friends. First prize went to the Spiaco Show, a celebrity chat show starring campers Jacapo and Spiros.
– Simon, Blue Group Leader (Team Germany captain!)
All the colours
6th July 2013
After a busy first week, the campers appreciated an extra hour in bed before a 9am breakfast. However, along with the sleep in came with a much needed room tidy hour and a quick lesson in how to make beds (fun when you stick your head in the duvet cases and pretend to be ghosts and scare your group leaders, thanks for that Fadi!!!). After the room inspection it was off to languages and sports for the rest of the morning.
After lunch, the reds, blues, greens and yellows all gathered in the patinoire before heading off for a small hike. The campers made their way across the new wobbly Torgon bridge, around the scenic lagoon, passed the picnic area and ending in the football pitch. Most enjoyed the walk although others felt like their group leaders weren’t working enough and decided to ride on their shoulders, like Tatjana did to poor Freddie!
Once at the football pitch the fun really begun after afternoon tea with groups of footballers going down one end of the pitch to play where a staff vs kids game formed with the campers showing us group leaders how it’s done!
At the other end those not so keen played parachute games, Frisbee and some classics like duck duck goose.
The campers made it back in time for shower hour for a quick chill out before a yummy pasta dinner and peach upside down cake. Then the reds and blues took part in a new exciting evening, hip hop dance off and the greens and yellows enjoyed a much needed chilled out hot chocolate and DVD night.
Blue and Yellow visit the huskies at Glacier 3000!
5th July 2013
An early 6:15am start for the Blue and Yellow campers, yet this did not detract from their moral as they were all extremely excited to be going on an outing to the Glacier 3000. The campers filled their tummies and off they went, kitted out and raring to go. One hour’s drive later and the campers had reached their destination, they were jubilant about the prospect of meeting the Husky dogs at 3000 meters above ground level.
As the campers were walking towards the howling Husky dogs, who were obviously excited for the arrival of our campers – the sun was glistening on the snow and for those campers like Maya and Nada who have never seen snow before, it was a breath-taking experience allowing them to admire the views and have fun making their first snow ball, tactfully eyeing up which group leader to aim for….
After meeting the Husky dogs, the campers got the opportunity to glide in the snow on the sled, being pulled by the excitable Husky’s. The campers all got off the sled grinning like Cheshire cat’s; it was an experience they will never forget.
From gliding through the snow to flying down the mountain on the roller coaster at full speed – the campers were allowed to experience the twists and turns of the mountain roller coaster. Ayman managed to lose his hat whilst rocketing down the roller coaster, and Mahmood the front passenger was grinning with gritted teeth, trying to show he wasn’t scared – however inside secretly screaming with the adrenaline of the sharp twists and turns in the sunshine down the mountain side.
After all the excitement that the Glacier 3000 brought, it was time for the campers to head to the Villeneuve pool on the outskirts of Montreux. The campers basked in the sunshine, whilst splashing in the pool – and for the more daring campers … diving off the seven metre diving board into the lake.
All in all an overwhelming fun filled day, tiring out our Blue and Yellow campers from all the excitement of an unforgettable day.
Theresa – Yellow group leader
Blue and Yellow at Aqua Parc!
3rd July 2013
A rainy day meant some improvisation was necessary for morning activities, but indoor futsal (small teamed football) and the climbing wall ensured all campers were eagerly awaiting their lunches. A trip to the Aquaparc with all the Blue and Yellow campers wearing their bright Camp Suisse t-shirts ensued with a chatty bus ride en route. The continuing rain not dampening the campers’ spirits. Upon arrival at the Aquaparc, many group leaders found themselves wondering whether they were leading the group of if the group was leading them as campers rushed from one slide to the next, laughing all along the way. The return bus journey to camp for “shower hour” unfortunately came too soon for all, but laundry had to be handed in, rooms tidied, and most importantly, parents to be called! A hearty meal of lasagne was enjoyed by all before all campers went for their evening of bingo. With many Camp Suisse prizes to be claimed, campers were eagerly scratching away at their numbers. Evening activities wound down for bed time for the Red group and Blue group after a long but successful day as the Green and Yellow groups had a little time to wind down before they too turned in for the night in preparation for another big day in Switzerland.
Blue Skies, Green Hills… it’s the Yellows!
2nd July 2013
It was a beautiful day in Torgon as the yellow group woke up to clear blue skies and an incredible view of the surrounding mountains. With it only being the yellow groups third day at Camp Suisse everyone was eager to rush through breakfast and get going with the days’ activities.
The morning sessions consisted of sports and language lessons, some language sessions were even taken outside due to the beautiful weather!
After sports and languages the yellow group re-grouped for a delightful lunch of paninis, hot dogs, pasta, baked potatoes and so much more! After an hour to re-energise it was time to set off to mountain biking…
Up at the mountain biking, the sessions were led by Craig and Rosie who really put the campers through their paces! They attacked with vigour our range of ramps and obstacles as they weaved their way down the challenging trails at our fabulous mountain biking spot. A special mention to Aymen who impressed us all by getting straight back on his bike after a little tumble!! 🙂
After a long day at Camp Suisse it was time to sit down and tuck in to some well earned dinner – fajitas and fruit salad, it did not disappoint! Before the day ended Tiff made a very popular announcement, telling the yellow group they would be going to the aqua park tomorrow – and with that to look forward to it was off to bed and resting up for another fun filled day at Camp Suisse!
Activities at Camp Suisse
1st July 2013
Yesterday the yellow group went orienteering. After a quick look at the maps and how coordinates work, we set off to find our way to the football field. Everyone seemed to brilliantly grasp the art of map reading and we found the football field almost effortlessly. After afternoon tea it was time for team building activities. Ashley developed a never – seen – before technique of deleting the bomb and the girls gracefully managed to get to safety pass the electrical wire. The whole group also got through the spider web using impeccable communication and team building skills.
The green group, after completing their various sports and language lessons, sat down for a hearty lunch of hot dogs, paninis, jacket potatoes, pasta and sandwiches. After eating the kids were sent up the hill to begin their mountain biking experiences. All the kids seemed thrilled for the opportunity to go mountain biking, even those who had not been on a bike before. Anoushka, Sam and Tobi had all never cycled a bike before, but after their one – to – one lesson with their group leaders Iona, Pete and Hannah were all able to cycle freely and stop by themselves, all three kids did a fantastic job and were proud of their achievements. The rest of the group all managed to cycle smoothly down to the bottom of the mountain woodland courses. It was nothing but beautiful views coming down the mountain. All in all the green group seemed to really enjoy the mountain biking and all seemed impressed with their personal abilities. The green group are all now looking forward to attending the adventure park tomorrow, giving them an opportunity to gain and show off their skills.
Green and Yellow take on Parc Adventure
Finally the sun is out at Camp Suisse for the Green and Yellow group and it is time to play. A Great morning with languages and sports! Molly and Caridad were the stand out superstars at basketball and Samantha beat her group leader at tennis! Well done guys! Not to mention Henry and loads more kids receiving NOGROTS for being the best in their language classes.
After the morning activities it was time for lunch and then off to the experience life in the trees at Parc Adventure; a fun and exciting climbing obstacle course. All children participated and challenged themselves to new heights. Emilia was especially inspiring and encouraging by giving support to a group leader to continue on with the course even though Emilia herself at the time was overcoming her fear of heights. All in all an inspiring and challenging day at Camp Suisse! Who knows what tomorrow will bring?
Departure Day
10th August 2012
The church bells chiming for the 5:30 call signalled with it the start of that dreaded day here in Torgon: the final departure day of the season.As children awoke early, there was a cloud of sorrow lingering in the cloudless sky as the sun rose over the Swiss mountains. For few could believe that some 3 months after it all began, the summer of 2012 was drawing to a close. So many memories created, friends made and experiences that will last a lifetime all happened here at Camp Suisse and we’re incredibly grateful to all of the campers and staff for making it happen.What are the highlights of camp this year for myself? Who would ever be able to forget the sheer volumes of snow that were found at the Glacier for the first international session, or the bitter cold and wind-chill accompanying it? Then fast forward one month to see the same location practically without snow and basking in temperatures that meant we were able to bask in the magnificent glory of the mountain-top views with just a t-shirt on. Talk about a special location to take a group photo! One of the things that has really impressed me this year though is the way that the campers have dealt with the variety of challenges that have been handed to them. Whether these were team building games, mathematical challenges or something simple like organising a football game for the staff against the campers, there has been nothing that has proved impossible. The team spirit and helpful nature of the campers in the yellow group when helping the younger campers onto the chairlifts almost brought a tear of pride to the eye, for it was remarkable how mature they were proving to be. Although the phrase “an old head on young shoulders” may be tossed around too often, it was particularly poignant to mention here.Another highlight for myself has to be the wonderful staff that decided to work for us this summer. Whilst the summer may well prove to be a long and tiring one, we staff enjoy an unforgettable and incomparable opportunity to take in such wondrous sights under the slight condition of having to work. The staff this summer have all contributed enormously, made their mark and have helped us to reflect back on what we can call our most successful season ever. We can only just say a huge thank you to the staff members who have helped create memories (both for staff and for campers) that will hopefully endure as long as the mountains around us do.From the superb sports sessions in the morning to the educational and interactive language classes, mornings in Torgon were never rife with boredom and although campers may have gotten used to their surroundings, the variety of our extensive programme here meant that there was always something different for them to partake in. Afternoons though brought with them something amazing, different and adventurous. Whether these were coordinated by our very own adventure specialists or on excursions with the group leaders (and coach drivers!) the dinner tables were rarely short of conversation of an evening, with many campers eager to share with anyone willing to listen an in-depth synopsis of the day’s activities.What’s left though for the remaining staff to do? High up on the priority list is a full-scale investigation into our programme for this year, to see which activities were most enjoyed and to see where we believe that our programme can be bettered for the summer of 2012 and onwards. The Camp Suisse ethic isn’t one that rests on its laurels because we know that despite our winning formula, we want to improve upon it for next summer so that for those people who wish to return (including Charlotte, Juliette and Martin who will return free of charge as part of the Queen/King of Camp competition) then there will be a different challenge for them to overcome. Then, as the floors are scrubbed and all of the mirrors have been polished, the doors to Camp Suisse will be locked, remaining staff will return to their homes and many will start to think of ideas ready for the next summer.
Once again, a huge thank you to everyone who has helped make this summer the most magical of experiences for everyone who has taken part. You most certainly shall not be forgotten.
